Developer Interview: Mike Newman of Penguin

This week we have Mike Newman, an independant app programmer for Windows Phone, for an insightful interview. Mike is the developing power behind Penguin and Fireworks. Head on past the pause for the interview.

Tell u.s. well-nigh yourself, what you do, background around programming etc.?

Hello, I'm Mike Newman. I've enjoyed tinkering with computers ever since I got an Apple tree IIc as a young kid growing upwardly in Florida. I really started to get into programming in centre school using Basic and Pascal, and have been making stuff always since. Eventually, I majored in Informatics and moved out to the Seattle area to take a job at Microsoft, where I'm currently a development lead on Windows Live.

What path(s) led you to develop for Windows Phone?

I'd wanted to build mobile apps for a while, and had toyed with Pocket PC and iOS development earlier, but concluded up setting aside a few projects unfinished. Windows Telephone sparked my interest once again given a new marketplace, a familiar toolset, and some Microsoft employee incentives. I threw together an early version of my "Fireworks" app in a couple hours while on vacation, and went from there.

Why do yous continue to develop for Windows Telephone?

I've actually enjoyed developing for Windows Phone. The tools are bully… I tin often go from an idea to a working prototype in less than a twenty-four hours, and initial release just a few weeks later that, working in my gratuitous fourth dimension. It's fun to drive a project through end-to-end and run into results in the marketplace quickly. Information technology'southward cool to see that folks are enjoying my apps, and the advertising acquirement doesn't hurt either. :-)

How did you lot come up with the idea for Penguin and your other titles?

I've mostly looked to see what'due south already out there, either equally real world games and activities, or as apps on other platforms. "Fireworks" conspicuously borrows from the real globe as well as diverse apps and games. My second game "Menstruation" is similar to some former pen and newspaper puzzles but adapted for impact. And "Penguin" is based on a elementary, physics gameplay mechanic that's been used by a number of apps on various platforms.

Exercise y'all develop for other platforms, and if so how does your Windows Phone experience compare?

As far as current mobile platforms, I've developed for Windows Phone and iOS, although I've generally focused on Windows Phone. For iOS, I've released a ported version of "Fireworks" chosen "Fireworks Arcade". I found it much easier to go started with Windows Phone, specially given that the tools and surround were already familiar to me. The principal benefit of iOS to me was its larger market share.

What's your have on the current state of Windows Phone development?

I'grand really pleased with the state and progress of Windows Phone development. It's opened up a lot of opportunities and excitement for me. Information technology'southward been groovy getting back into mobile development with Windows Phone.

Where do yous run into Windows Telephone development going in the future?

I think Windows Phone has a lot of potential going forrard. I'm looking forward to the Mango software release, besides as the release of new device hardware including from Nokia. Developers volition have a lot more capabilities enabling new apps and functionality, and volition hopefully be able to tap into a much broader market over fourth dimension.

Do you lot accept any future projects lined up for Windows Phone?

I've had a pretty busy summer and have taken a scrap of a break from apps recently, only I have some updates to Penguin in the works, and am hoping to first some new projects soon.

Given the opportunity, what'south the i matter yous'd change about the Windows Phone development process?

Hmmm… there's a lot that'south working actually well or is already being improved with Mango. One matter I'd like to see though as an independent game programmer is Xbox Alive capabilities exposed more than broadly. Xbox Live is a great platform but information technology's not generally bachelor to independent developers on the phone today. I'd dearest to be able to leverage congenital-in capabilities like leaderboards, achievements, and in-app purchases in my games.

Thanks then much for your time. Any parting thoughts for the Windows Telephone community?

Thank you for your support. Keep playing and have fun!

There 'ya have it folks, you can bank check out Mike'south progress with projects over at Large Duck Games.

Updated Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro laptops with Intel 12th Gen ship April 1

Super light and thin

Updated Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro laptops with Intel 12th Gen send April 1

Samsung is going deep into Windows 11 PCs with four new laptops announced today at Mobile World Congress. The laptops all ship with Intel 12th Gen processors, thin designs, and support for Samsung S Pen, along with a bevy of new features and improvements. They brainstorm aircraft in Apr.

Tech warfare

Intel, AMD reportedly stopped exports of CPUs to Russia due to invasion

A new study from RBC claims Intel and AMD are set up to comply with new sanctions imposed by the Us on sales and exports of specific technologies to Russia in response to its invasion. TSMC, who also makes some of Russian federation's own chips, is also said to be complying. The news, if accurate, could severely hurt Russia's economy as companies would not exist able to add, replace, or...